Details:

John Henry Hobart four-page printed religious imprint titled "A Form of Prayer and Thanksgiving, Proper to be Used on the Fourth Day of July," issued under Hobart's authority as Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the State of New York. The text provides a special Fourth of July service celebrating the "inestimable blessings of Religious and Civil Liberty," including prayers, scripture readings, hymns, and a thanksgiving commemorating American independence. Of particular interest is a prayer asking God to "direct the hearts of our Delegates in Congress" and preserve the nation's "peace, liberty, and safety."

The opening page notes that the form had its origins in the 1785 convention of the Episcopal Church and its so-called "Proposed Book." This later printing was formally set forth by Hobart for use wherever it was considered appropriate to celebrate the Fourth of July with religious services.

The four-page imprint measures approximately 5.5 x 9.5". Fine condition.

John Henry Hobart (1775–1830) was an influential American Episcopal clergyman and the third Episcopal Bishop of New York. Consecrated bishop in 1811, Hobart became one of the leading figures in the growth of the Episcopal Church in the early United States, promoting theological education, missionary work, and the expansion of the church throughout New York and the developing American frontier.

Authentication:
Includes a full letter of authenticity from JG Autographs, Inc.

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Reference sku: 11695 1419191-1